Bahrain King vows Libya help

Manama, September 2, 2011

Bahrain last night pledged to help rebuild Libya and described the dramatic developments there as historic.

His Majesty King Hamad paid tribute to the Libyan people as he discussed with world leaders ways of mobilising the massive reconstruction efforts at a prestigious conference at the Elysee Palace, Paris.

French President Nicolas Sarkozy is hosting the Friends of Libya conference.

The forum decided to unlock $15 billion (BD5.6 billion) in funds to help Libya's victorious rebels rebuild the war-torn country.

It also put the National Transitional Council leaders on notice to pursue a path of reconciliation.

His Majesty pledged full solidarity with the council.

'Our stance stems from Bahrain's commitment to Libya's independence, territorial integrity, regional security in addition to ensuring the security of its people so that it could assume its role as an active member of the international community and its Arab and regional environment,' he said.

He also gave assurances about the massive Libyan investments in Bahrain.

Earlier, His Majesty arrived at Orly International Airport at the invitation of Sarkozy. He later attended a dinner banquet hosted by the French President.-TradeArabia News Service